STORRS — After Friday's 6 a.m. practice in the Shenkman Training Center, UConn players are now free to head to tropical locations for spring break this coming week after concluding their first week of spring practice under new head coach, Bob Diaco.

The team practiced three times this week, beginning the inaugural stretch of the long road that leads to BYU and the season opener Aug. 29. Friday was the first time that the players practiced in full pads this season, giving more of a real-game feel to drills throughout the morning.

Though a limited amount of information has been gathered about individual players at this time, Diaco seems more focused on trying to get players back in fighting condition and setting the tone for team mentality.

"Our staff is excited about the first three practices. We hope we have implanted enough culture in these guys that they can carry through spring break," said Diaco.

To any observer, it is easy to see the intensity with which Diaco coaches players in practice, as well as their respect for him as a leader. Every player interviewed thus far has mentioned him and his coaching tactics in a positive light, describing him as "enthusiastic, filled with energy and a player's coach."

At Diaco's news conference after Friday's practice, the new coach seemed to be pleased with the first week and made a few noteworthy comments on the team's progress:

Quarterbacks: UConn fans are familiar with the likes of Chandler Whitmer, Tim Boyle and Casey Cochran, who all started four games under center for the Huskies last season. These three, along with redshirt sophomore and Cheshire native, Michael Ecke, have all gotten equal repetitions in the first week.

Diaco has already seen improvements made by the quarterbacks and feels optimistic about their potential as the weeks progress and they learn more about playing smart football.

"They did a better job of protecting the ball today. There have been ball security errors on exchanges and things like that, but also trying to impress people by throwing into tight windows has been a problem," said Diaco. "Those throws don't impress anyone. You shouldn't try to cram it in down the field, because whether you do it or not, those plays cause losing."

Whitmer and Boyle both went 0-4 last season, while Cochran led the Huskies to three victories in their last four games, coming against Temple, Rutgers and Memphis.

Geremy Davis: Diaco had only good things to say about redshirt senior and wide receiver Geremy Davis, referring to his on-field skills and work ethic.

Davis was UConn's leader in receptions (71), receiving yards (1,085), and receiving touchdowns (3) last season, making him arguably the most potent offensive weapon for the Huskies.

"He's a hard worker, tough, and has a big body. He also has good body control, strong hands and strong ball skills. He can really win a battle for the ball," said Diaco. "He creates separation by knowing where his body is compared to the defender and has a large radius for catching passes."

Davis later said how much pride he takes in his offensive skills and catching abilities, but says receiving is more than just about coming down with passes.

"It's not just catches. Receiving is about releases, stances and starts. If you can get off the line quicker, then receiving becomes easier," said the Huskies' leading wideout.

His performance this season, along with redshirt senior running back Lyle McCombs, will dictate how versatile and dynamic UConn's offense will be.

Diaco and the offense: Though the Huskies' head coach has a defensive and special teams background, Diaco plans to be deeply involved with the offense and its game plans.

When asked how involved he would be with the offense as compared to offensive coordinator Mike Cummings, Diaco said he would be involved "100 percent."

"Our systems are football team systems. I'm the leader of the team so I have responsibilities on all phases of the game, including 100 percent responsibility for the offense," said the head coach. "When it doesn't look the way I want it to, I will intervene."

The biggest offensive challenge at this point is getting familiar with the options UConn has on that side of the ball.

The Huskies averaged only 318 yards per game offensively last season, meaning changes will need to be made, which starts in spring practice.

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